CHAP. V.
Eugenius IV. raised to the pontificate—His persecution of the Colonnas—He offends the duke of Milan—Ill success of the pontifical army in Germany—Poggio foresees the disasters of the papal troops—His consolatory letter to cardinal Julian—Julian’s answer—Poggio’s reply—Angelotto, cardinal of St. Mark—Meeting and proceedings of the council of Basil—Poggio attempts to persuade Julian to desert the council—Violent proceedings of that assembly against the pontiff—The ecclesiastical states invaded by Francesco Sforza and Niccolo Fortebraccio—Poggio again attempts to gain Julian over to the interests of the pontiff—Eugenius accedes to the wishes of the council—Insurrection in Rome—Flight of Eugenius—Poggio taken captive, and obliged to ransom himself by a sum of money—He repairs to Florence.